Mission Statement

"We describe "Let's Open Doors" as the hub of a wheel. A hub alone can't move the wheel, but it brings together and connects to the spokes. When there are enough spokes, setting the rim in place can allow the wheel to move," explained Gail Mottola. The spokes are organizations who represent their members' needing assistance or adaptive equipment by advocating their civil right of equal access for goods and services. The wheel’s rim is the event we are planning together as a unified coalition for equal access.

We envision thousands of members of all the "spoke" organizations celebrating their civil right by walking, wheeling or riding into stores, medical and other offices, restaurants, banks etc. with "Let's Open Doors" materials – on the same day over many locations throughout Hampton Roads." She continued, "Just think, this same event can take place anywhere in America with the outreach of any organization on the same day."

"Your work is beyond any one disease or physical challenge and, as we talked about that beautiful spring day in Virginia Beach, it is a very deep human instinct that you are working to stimulate… Kindness can’t be legislated, just awakened."